Halothane

The Basics

What is Halothane?

General inhalation anesthetic used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

Brand names for Halothane

Fluothane

How Halothane is classified

Anesthetics – Inhalation

Halothane During Pregnancy

Halothane pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Halothane while pregnant

Some studies have shown Fluothane (halothane) to be teratogenic, embryotoxic, and fetotoxic in the mouse, rat, hamster, and rabbit at subanesthetic and/or anesthetic concentrations. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Fluothane (halothane) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Halothane While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Halothane?

There is no published experience with halothane anesthesia during breastfeeding. Various recommendations have been made regarding breastfeeding after halothane anesthesia, from discarding the first pumping after recovery to discarding breastmilk for 24 to 48 hours after the surgical procedure.[2][3] Although withholding breastfeeding for 24 h is probably unnecessary, an alternate anesthetic may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. In one study, breastfeeding before general anesthesia induction reduced requirements of sevoflurane and propofol compared to those of nursing mothers whose breastfeeding was withheld or nonnursing women.[1] It is possible that requirements for other anesthetic agents would be affected similarly.

Maternal / infant drug levels

There is no published experience with halothane anesthesia during breastfeeding. Various recommendations have been made regarding breastfeeding after halothane anesthesia, from discarding the first pumping after recovery to discarding breastmilk for 24 to 48 hours after the surgical procedure.[2][3] Although withholding breastfeeding for 24 h is probably unnecessary, an alternate anesthetic may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. In one study, breastfeeding before general anesthesia induction reduced requirements of sevoflurane and propofol compared to those of nursing mothers whose breastfeeding was withheld or nonnursing women.[1] It is possible that requirements for other anesthetic agents would be affected similarly.

Possible effects of Halothane on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Halothane

Desflurane, Enflurane, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane.